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Meet the Team: Rhiannon Chainey

In our Meet the Team blogs, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible leaders who make Action Challenge trips unforgettable. This week, we’re thrilled to introduce Rhiannon Chainey, a seasoned expedition leader who has led over 40 Kilimanjaro climbs, trekked through the Sahara, and guided teams to Everest Base Camp, Patagonia, and Iceland. Most recently, she led our September Inca Trail team to the famed lost city of Machu Picchu.

Curious why we send a leader on every trip? Read our blog post on that very topic!

Q: What’s your favourite destination to lead a trek or cycle, and why?

To be honest, this is forever changing! For a long time it was Kilimanjaro for the people; the sunrise on summit morning; the stars in the night sky and the phenomenal sense of pride I feel when my teams push themselves so hard. Then came Everest Base Camp for the villages, the monasteries and the absolute awe inspiring splendour of the Himalayas. More recently it’s become a close competition between Patagonia ‘W’ Trek and Iceland Fire and Ice. They’re both so rugged and wild! It’s a massive privilege to be able to see the world and to fall in love with so many of our trips!

Q: What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that’s happened on a trek?

I once got asked during a Kilimanjaro summit night briefing ‘Is it okay for me just to pee in my trousers as I walk?’ I’m not often gobsmacked, but I was that day!

Q: What’s the most challenging situation you’ve faced on a trip, and how did you handle it?

Unfortunately this was medical emergency in the middle of the Sahara, in my early days as a leader when I only had a basic first aid qualification and no medic on the trip. Outwardly I remained calm, confident and decisive, ensuring the participant was taken care of and arranging her evacuation, so that she was able to get the necessary professional care and fly home with us a few days later. Inwardly I was terrified! We are human, after all! I learned that it’s okay to be human, to utilise the resources I have around me, and went on to develop my medical skills, to the point that I now work for the ambulance service alongside leading expeditions. I am vastly more experienced and knowledgeable these days!

Q: What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen someone bring on a trek?

Fairy lights and a mini disco ball!

Q: What’s your favourite trail snack or meal at camp?

At altitude, I often lose my appetite. But omelettes, soup with bread, mashed potato, and milo usually help me through.

Q: If you could lead a trek anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Right now, Bhutan and Mongolia are calling—but Tibet has been a dream since I was a teenager. Ask me again next week, though—it might change!

Q: How do you prepare yourself physically and mentally before leading a trip?

I am very mindful of my own health and fitness. I exercise daily, even if this is only dog walks and yoga. I also bike and kitesurf. I spend a lot of my life outdoors on the beach or in the mountains! I eat relatively healthily, although chocolate and the occasional glass of wine are good for your mental health, right?! My work life can be high pressured and challenging and I am all too aware of the toll this can take on me mentally. I have a great support network, including my mum, who has been on a number of challenges with me! I have my own struggles with my mental health and am very open about this, as I believe it’s made me a far stronger and more empathetic leader, as well as giving me a huge amount of self awareness, ensuring I manage my own wellbeing before, during and after a trip.

Q: What’s your go-to motivational speech or phrase when the group needs a boost?

“Bite size chunks!” (Credit to my mum!)

Q: What’s one thing you always pack in your kit that others might not think of?

Duct tape—wrapped around my water bottle and walking pole handles—for emergency repairs.

Q: What’s the most common question participants ask you on the trail?

‘Are we nearly there yet?’ probably rivals the frequent questions relating to toileting, food and equipment!

Q: What do you love most about being a Leader on Action Challenge trips?

Supporting people as they push beyond their comfort zones is a huge privilege. Watching them gain confidence and fall in love with adventure is incredibly fulfilling. I’ve made lifelong friendships with people who continue to inspire me.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone doing their first challenge?

Get stuck in! Read all the info we give you, train well, and open your heart to the experience. Your life will never be the same again.

Q: How do you feel at the end of a successful expedition?

Exhausted usually!! In all honesty, there’s always a bit of a come down after spending an intense amount of time with amazing people in incredible landscapes. I miss it terribly and always feel a bit like no-one in my ‘normal’ life understands me! Once that settles I immediately start getting excited for my next adventure. Life’s short!